It’s no secret…women are different.
Throughout your journey as a woman, you have special health needs. Lakeland is committed to offering exemplary care in each stage of life. Whether you are preparing for a birth, managing menopause symptoms, or diagnosing any number of disorders we are ready for you.
As a wife, partner, daughter, friend, mother, you make decisions every day about the care and well-being of those around you. By choosing women’s health at Spectrum Health Lakeland, you can be confident that you’ve made the right decision for you, so you can be at your best—for yourself and those who depend on you.
It’s your journey. And we’ll be right beside you with the skills and expertise you need to ensure you get the most advanced and thorough care possible.
We help with a variety of services and can provide care for:
Breast Care
Cancer
Depression
Gynecology
Heart and vascular care
Incontinence, bladder, and pelvic health
Miscarriage support
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy care
Routine well-woman exams, PAP smear and cervical cancer screenings
Weight management
We all have a story to share.
We provide personalized health care to ensure you have the best possible experience while in our care. Each individual treatment and care plan at Lakeland is just as unique as your are. We are your partners in your health care journey.
Women throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond share their health care experiences at Spectrum Health Lakeland in the stories below.
Do you have a story to share? Click on the "What's Your Story" button and complete the form.
Nov 1, 2017 Reporting from Niles, MI
Taking the First Step to Living Pain Free - Mary Ciaravino
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/medical-services/womens-health-services/Detail/taking-that-first-step-to-living-pain-free/?utm_source=Taking_the_First_Step_to_Living_Pain_Free&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Nov 1, 2017
Nov 1, 2017
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Ten hours a day, six days a week. That’s how long Mary Ciaravino spends on her feet each day at Wolverine Metal Stamping in Stevensville. Mary started working there after deciding she needed a change from her desk job. Little did she know how that ca
Taking the First Step to Living Pain Free - Mary Ciaravino
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Taking the First Step to Living Pain Free - Mary Ciaravino
Nov, 2017
Physicians: Glen Hastings, MD; Pam Klint, NP
Ten hours a day, six days a week. That’s how long Mary Ciaravino spends on her feet each day at Wolverine Metal Stamping in Stevensville. Mary started working there after deciding she needed a change from her desk job. Little did she know how that career move would affect her physically.
“While I was standing I just felt pain, like an uncomfortable ache,” said Mary. “My right leg would swell so bad, my primary care provider, Pam Klint, NP, said I needed to make sure I didn’t have a blood clot.”
Further testing determined Mary’s veins might have been damaged from an old leg injury. That’s when Mary was referred to general surgeon, Glen Hastings, MD.
“I had a friend who had gone to Dr. Hastings,” said Mary. “She told me about how great he was with vein issues. He performed an ultrasound on me right in his office and told me I would be a good candidate for varicose vein treatment.”
Dr. Hastings and his staff offer a number of minimally invasive treatments to those suffering the painful effects of varicose veins.
“What that means is smaller incisions, or no incisions at all,” said Dr. Hastings. “Our goal is less pain during and after the procedure. We make sure to identify the problem properly first using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, and do everything we can to correct it for the patient.”
Because Mary’s veins were so damaged, she says Dr. Hastings recommended some of them be removed. The procedure involves the surgeon making a small incision in the skin to remove, or tie off, the blood vessel. Dr. Hastings also used a special laser to close off blood flow in Mary’s other problematic veins.
“The laser allows us to deliver a highly-concentrated beam of light to the damaged vein,” said Dr. Hastings. “The laser emits energy that closes the vein and seals it shut. Blood is then automatically routed to other, healthy veins.”
“He did it all right in the office,” said Mary. “I noticed an instant difference. My legs were transformed!”
Despite needing surgery, Mary said her recovery was quick and easy. All it took was a few days of compression stockings, and time to let her legs heal.
“There was no more discomfort, no more swelling. I couldn’t believe I didn’t miss a day of work,” said Mary. “I wasn’t in any pain, and that’s for someone with zero pain tolerance. I just had a bit of bruising. My legs are beautiful again!”
Even though she did her research about where to turn for help, Mary says it was the personalized care she received from Dr. Hastings and his staff that made the ultimate difference.
“They are just wonderful,” said Mary. “They were so gentle, caring, and very professional. They made me feel very comfortable, explaining everything, every step of the way. I felt very confident in my decision to have the work done, and that meant the world to me.”